ALBERG 37 INTERNATIONAL OWNERS
ASSOCIATION

C/O Tom and Kaye Assenmacher Box 32 , Kinsale , VA 22488 (804) 472-3853

a37ioanospamr@sylvaninfo.net
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VOL XV, NO.3 (SUMMER - 2005)
13 JULY, 2005

13^th Annual Alberg 37 International Owners Association Rendezvous

The 13^th annual Alberg 37 International Owners Association Rendezvous was held at the Port Whitby Marina in Whitby, Ontario on 25-26 June, 2005. 21 Alberg 37s were represented at the Rendezvous, with 9 Alberg 37s physically present.

Special Thanks and Appreciation to the hosts, Wayne and Cindy Milroy whose planning, resourcefulness, and friendship made the rendezvous a resounding success.

Also grateful thanks are extended to the Staff and Personnel of the Port Whitby Marina, who went out of their way to provide for our every need; to Becky Knop for expertly handling the registration process; to all the members (and friends) who attended and contributed immeasurably to a most successful rendezvous; and to Alex Magnone of co-located Whitby Boat and Specialty Woodwork, LTD, who provided a tour of his facility on Sunday morning.

Also acknowledged is GOOD OLD BOATS MAGAZINE which provided several complementary subscriptions which were raffled off; also “THE STORE’ MASON’S CHANDLERY Ltd of Mississauga, Ontario, which provided a bag of “Goodies” to each attendee, and to the CITY OF WHITBY ONTARIO, which provided additional “goodies” for the attendees.

The following members and Alberg 37s were represented at the Rendezvous:

SHEARWATER (1975 MK-II Yawl, #157) - Tom and Kaye Assenmacher

CAPRICORN (1969 MK-I Sloop, #36) - Roy and Doreen Carter

CARELLEN* (1975 MK-II Sloop, #139) - Rick, Graham, Gladys and Paula Humphrey

FINALE* (1988 MK-III Sloop, #248) - Terri and Alan Pateman

JOINT VENTURE* (1975 MK-II Yawl, #147) – Ken and Anita Tillotson

LEEWAY II* (1984 MI-II Yawl, #233) - Wayne and Cindy Milroy (Rendezvous Hosts)

MAGGY FIELDS IV* (1975 MK-II Sloop, #142) - Gordon Martin

MARIGOT (1968 MK-I Sloop, # 26) – Dan Oswald and Susan Payette

MAROONED* (1981 MK-II Sloop, #217) – Frank LaValley

OFFLINE (1984 MK-II Sloop, #235) - Ted Richman

PAT-SEA (1979 MK-II Yawl, # 201) - Pat and Bill Shrader

PAWBEE (1973 MK-II Yawl, # 118) - Henk and Wendy DeVries

PIKA (1967 MK-I Sloop w/midship galley, #20) - Lou and Jean Wayne

POSSESSION* (1973 MK-II Yawl w/cutter rig and teak decks, #110) - Mike and Karen Johnston

SEA CYCLE* (1973 MK-II Yawl, #102) – Mark and Debbie Crowe

SHEARWATER (1975 MK-II Yawl, #157) - Tom and Kaye Assenmacher

SOUTHERN CROSS (1977 MK-II Sloop w/cutter rig, #180) - Marcel and Karen Steinz

THE EVERDEN (1979 MK-I Sloop, #200) – Geoff and Bunkey Cunliffe

TIGGER (1969 MK-I Sloop, #49) – Ron and Eileen Holmes (Currently cruising in Malaysia – first time home in 10 years – have been cruising aboard TIGGER since the mid 1980s).

TUNDRA (1977 MK-II Sloop, #181) – Brian and Kathy Marsh

VECTIS* (1967 MK-I Sloop, #18) – Ian Dunn (Boat in process of being restored by Whitby Boat – Ian could not attend.)

(* A-37s which were physically present at the Rendezvous)

Also attending by boat were Taff and Dillis (friends of Geoff and Bunkey Cunliffe) who live aboard their steel yacht TAFF A DILL.

Others attending the event were Wanita Gray, and Becky and Jerry Knop.

Much "boat talk" and boat tours took place during the day long activities. Saturday’s events culminated in a social hour at 1600 and a BBQ (with Chef Wayne Milroy at the controls) at 1800.

Some members attended a Brunch at the Marina on Sunday morning, followed by a short tour by Alex Magnone of the co-located Whitby Boat and Specialty Woodwork, LTD.

Check the Website for Rendezvous Photos

NEW MEMBERS
There are no new members this quarter.

JOINT VENTURE PLANS ATLANTIC CROSSING
By Anita & Ken Tillotson

We cruised in our Tanzer 26 'Tabasco' for many years: Lake Superior for three years; then up the St. Lawrence River and all the Maritimes. We knew that we wanted to go further and needed a bigger boat. In 2005, we plan to sail from Lake Ontario up the St. Lawrence River and across the Atlantic to the Azore Islands and then on to Portugal and the Mediterranean. So we put 'Tabasco' up for sale and went looking for the right boat.

In November 2003, on St Joseph Island, about 30 miles east of Sault Ste Marie, we found a 1975 Alberg 37 yawl. There was moisture in the balsa core deck. Her sails were pretty tired and the teak on the outside was grey. The deck creaked in places indicating some delamination and there were many small gouges and nicks. We were able to buy the boat at a reasonable price given the amount of money we would have to spend to bring her back to sea worthiness and beauty.

In May 2004, we began our work, living aboard her on the hard. The old alcohol stove gave off wretched fumes when we tried to use it and was discarded immediately. A new Origo alcohol stove with oven was purchased and installed. (We had had good experience with the one on our previous boat 'Tabasco'). All the outside teak was cleaned, sanded and 2 coats of Cetol applied. This was all done in one of the coldest springs in a long while. This prompted us to install a diesel Force 10 heater which kept the cabin cozy.

A complete set of new sails, a new dodger and bimini, Profurl for the genoa, cockpit cushions, a teak cockpit grate, some doors for the galley cupboards and a new cabinet behind the fold down table were purchased and installed.

Teak covers for the shrouds came with the boat. After sanding and coats of Cetol, they were attached using whipping line. We were to find that the wear and tear on sails was reduced as the teak rotated with the sails instead of rubbing and chafing.

Finally, in June we set off on our very first sail in 'Joint Venture'. She sailed like a dream!

We sailed through the North Channel, visiting many of our favourite anchorages and ports. We left Gore Bay on Manitoulin Island for the trip down Lake Huron to Grand Bend where we were previously members of the Yacht Club.

It took about 36 hours and was uneventful. It was misty and we motor sailed most of the way. We stood 3 hour watches at night. Our little schnauzer, Chelsey, learned that "walkeys" was up the deck and after some unbelieving looks at us, finally was persuaded to use the deck to do her business.

After a wonderful visit with friends and relatives at Grand Bend, we sailed south to the Detroit River, across Lake Erie and through the Welland Canal to Lake Ontario. Some highlights are: struggling to get the anchor up in the Detroit River, 10 knot forecasts on Lake Erie while the actual wind was 20 - 25 knots with steep seas most of the time, hitting bottom coming around Longpoint in Lake Erie, and having the engine stall in the Welland Canal. Also, as we motored out of the canal with the wind blowing 25 knots in Lake Ontario, the throttle handle came off in Ken's hand as he attempted to reduce speed. He fixed it as we careened around and finally made it to Niagara on the Lake.

The next day we were passing Toronto's beautiful skyline and a few hours later, we were finally at Whitby where the boat is being repaired.

As I write this, the dampness in the deck has been removed, deck replaced and painted. The stanchions are being reset with metal backing plates. A repair to the bow done in the past was examined and a professional job is being done. The topsides and bottom will be faired and painted.

More equipment and upgrades, too extensive to mention, must be completed in time for us to leave early in June. Regretfully, In order to complete our passage across the Atlantic at the most favorable time, we must leave the Whitby Marina before the Alberg rendezvous.

We will try to share our adventures as opportunity presents.

Anita & Ken Tillotson

London, Ontario

'Joint Venture'

(Ed. Note – Ken and Anita attended the Summer Rendezvous in Whitby last month and JOINT VENTURE was on the hard at the adjacent boatyard – she looks like a NEW BOAT!)

NEWS FROM MEMBERS

Casey Kerkstra recently reported that he has sold his 1969 sloop deZWAAN (The Swan).

Charles and Helen Bahn recently visited with Tom and Kaye Assenmacher in Kinsale, VA while on a summer cruise on the Chesapeake Bay aboard their MK-II yawl RAVEN. They have made numerous upgrades over the years to RAVEN.

Pat and Wayne Jobb Alberta, Canada had their 1970 MK-I Sloop, BRANDELARA II in the San Juan Islands for 10 days in early June and plan to go north to the Desolation Sound area in August. BRNADELARA II is berthed in Sidney, BC

Bill and Heather Beaver visited with the Assenmachers in Kinsale in late May aboard their 1972 MK-II Yawl, HALCYONE. They have made numerous upgrades on HALCYONE including refurbishing and repairing the topsides, deck and cabin top. She now sports dark blue topsides and is indeed a beautiful boat. Bill recently designed and built a cockpit LP gas which houses 4-6# aluminum gas cylinders (the tall ones). A very nice installation.

HALCYONE at Anchor near Kinsale, VA

Joran Gendell and friend Lin visited the Assenmachers at Kinsale in June aboard the 1984 MK-II Yawl ELIXIR in June.

“ELIXIR was recently relaunched after a month "on the hard". Much, much sanding. Several coats of Micron ablative paint, new tank vents on the transom, hailing port on the transom, three new ball valves, and a general polishing for the top sides. Boy, am I glad to see her back in the water!

ELIXIR at Anchor in Kinsale, VA

Also these past two months, I installed a 1000 watt Xantrex charger/inverter, and a Link 2000. I think I am going to be very pleased with it this summer. I'm thinking of putting a small microwave on the counter aft of the ice-box.”

Rob and Julie Lee of Steamboat Springs, CO are tentatively planning a Maine Cruise next summer aboard their 1981 MK-I Yawl, HERON.
Alain Redder recently sold his 1968 MK-I Sloop SPIRIT. The new buyer is from Maine is moving up from and Alberg 30.

Myron Mintz recently sent a photo of his 1972 MK-II Sloop L'MARRE (#91), which is posted on the “Members List” page on the A-37 web site. The photos shows a regular MK-II (3 opening ports each side, the long “Whitby 42” window on each side over the galley and nav station, etc.), but L'MARRE has what appears to be MK-I cockpit combings (i.e., fiberglass winch platform with a teak combing). Myron says that’s the way the boat was when he bought her, and the she doesn’t appear to have been modified. Does anyone know of any other MK-IIs with a similar configuration? It seems that there are quite a few “factory” modifications. Perhaps Alex knows??? L’MARRE also has in-mast mainsail furling.

Ron and Eileen Holms attended the recent Summer Rendezvous in Whitby. They have been cruising aboard their 1969 MK-I Sloop TIGGER since the early 1980s, and returned to Sarnia, Ontario for the first time in 10 years to visit friends and relatives. They were in the area of the December 2004 Tsunami, but they were at sea at the time of earthquake, so felt very little effects of the Tsunami. TIGGER is currently in Phuket Thailand where Ron and Eileen have done a lot of work on her. They will return to Thailand later this summer to resume cruising.

(Ed. Note: Kaye and I spent several days after the Rendezvous with Ron and Eileen as guests of Brian and Kathy Marsh (TUNDRA) with whom they were staying. Ron and Eileen are an amazing couple, who lead the life most of us only dream about, and are certainly “World Cruisers”.)

Steve and Lisa Grimshaw recently completed a major restoration of their 1974 MK-II Sloop TENACITY. Steve plans to send photos and some commentary of the project.

Geoff and Bunkey Cunliffe stopped by in May for a few days visit at the Assenmachers’ dock in Kinsale aboard their 1979 MK-II Sloop THE EVERDEN. They were on their way back to the Toronto area after spending the past few years cruising in the Bahamas and the Caribbean. Not only were they aboard their A-37, but they were in company of their “NEW” boat, a Lagoon 410 Catamaran (FAR NIENTE) which they had recently purchased in Florida. The original owners sailed FAR NIENTE to Kinsale and turned her over to Geoff and Bunkey at our dock where she lies for the summer. Geoff and Bunkey continued north to Toronto on THE EVERDEN where they are preparing her for sale. FAR NIENTE is a BIG BOAT!!!

FAR NIENTE Dwarfs the 2 Alberg 37s at the Dock

Ivor Corbett plans to cruise of Georgian Bay and the North Channel in early summer. They are also planning a major refurbishing project on their 1978 MK-II Yawl MOON CHILD II

Al Peckenpaugh and Renee Brescia recently sent a few photos of his ongoing project of refurbishing his 1967 MK-I Sloop GYPSY LADY. “Large starboard icebox was removed for fridge/freezer - Nav station. Hull is now painted and we've moved onto the rig. Launch next year I think.

WEB SITES OF INTEREST

(Disclaimer – A-37IOA has no financial interest in any products listed.)

http://www.geocities.com/bill_dietrich/BoatAppliances.html A good source of information regarding “Stuff” aboard boats.

A-37s FOR SALE

(Please check the Alberg 37 web site (A37's For Sale/Wanted) for the latest postings.)

Recent offerings include:

ELUSIVE 1968 Alberg 37 MK-I Sloop (Hull #40)

Sleeps 6+, 3 jibs, mainsail, pole, new rigging 2002, new bottom paint 2002, Ampair wind generator, Raymarine Autohelm, VHF radio, digital depth sounder, refrigeration, marine 12000 BTU air conditioning, CD/am/fm Aiwa stereo with Bose speakers, 2 anchors w/chain, pressurized electrical freshwater system w/60gals water, electrical marine head, inboard Westerbeke 4-107 37hp, new dinghy may 2004, 2.5 w/outboard, bimini, dodger, BBQ. ELUSIVE is a documented vessel 527394, located in Puerto Rico.

Asking $33K U.S.

Contact Captain Papo at (939)645-0282, (939)940-9756 or negronrafa@hotmail.com

See photos at www.sanjuansailing.tk

THE EVERDEN

1979 MK-I Sloop, hull #200. Fully equipped for Blue Water Live-Aboard Cruising, including removable inner forestay with staysail and storm jib, trisail on separate track, 6 man liferaft, solar panels, wind generator, wind vane self steering, watermaker, 4 anchors, mast steps, 40HP Yanmar, and 9ft Caribe RIB dinghy and outboard, plus all the usual stuff you'd expect on an Alberg, and lots of spares! Asking $79,900.00 Canadian. Boat lying in Toronto area.

Contact Geoff and Bunkey on board at VA3GNC@winlink.org, or (905) 822-4321

MAROONED

1981 Alberg 37 Sloop. Hull # 217

Lightly used Great Lakes only, single owner. Lying at Whitby. US$52,500.00. (Click here for photo)

Contact Frank @ 647-223-3536

Or franklavalley@hotmail.com

ENVY

1970 Alberg 37 Yawl, equipped for cruising. On the hard at the Indiantown Marina, Indiantown, FL.

Owner Narrative: "This is a good yawl, w/ roller furling new headsail and good main & mizzen and 2 extra sails, cabin air conditioning, 3 burner gimbaled propane stove/oven, 12V refrig/ice box, twin stainless steel sink, Autohelm 4000, Volvo Penta diesel, updated helm wheel, pedestal w/ nice chrome 6" Ritchie compass, new fuel tank, 2 anchors, chain rodes, and lots of rope rodes., mast steps, 8' hardshell dinghy, etc., etc."

US $34K

Contact:

Ron and Cindy Strahm

2820 S. Crenshaw Road

Independence, MO 64057

Email: rstrahm228@aol.com

TEL: 816.228.6325

FAX: 816.229.6100

MYA

1974 Alberg yawl. Hull #129. Lying in Squamish, British Columbia. USA documented vessel. Well equipped for cruising w/wind generator, solar panels, watermaker, windvane (Cape Horn), wheel pilot (Simrad), radar, anchor windlass. Engine and standing rigging replaced ca. 1998. Additional upgrades and many spares. Includes inflatable dingy (West Marine) and outboard (2000 Mercury 5 hp 4-stroke).

[See photos]

US $48,000

Contact: Ralph Turner at rrtgeo@direct.ca or (604) 815-8219

WEB SITE

We are always looking for articles (cruising, racing, maintenance, etc.) and photos of your boat for inclusion on the website and newsletter. Send the articles via email attachment in MS WORD and the photos in .JPG format if possible.

RACING CORNER

Stanton and Cheryl Smith of Wilmington, NC, report that their 1973 MKII sloop, SOLA GRATIA, our won an offshore race (Wilmington Group Offshore Race, previously known as the Wachovia Cup) last May. The seas were 6-8 feet and they beat boats with much lower PHRF ratings because she is steady in the waves.

Jay Zittrer of Houston, TX recently sent a few photos of racing in one of the winter regattas here on Galveston Bay. They have recently started up a classics class.

“We have a handful of Cape Dories coming out along with a couple of Cal 40s and of course GOOD NEWS (Ashley Walker’s 1975 MK-II Yawl) and SHARED WATCH (Jay’s 1987 MK-III Yawl). We have some basic rules such as year designed (pre 1980), Dacron only sails, no carbon fiber and a few other simple rules. We are gaining some interest and have had the largest line in a couple of the local regattas. For the time being, I thought I'd share with you that we continue to have success racing "Shared Watch" in the Gulf of Mexico and Galveston Bay.

We recently won fleet honors (second time) in the Heald Bank offshore Race. I think it is around 80 NM or so. We finished with most of the fast boats and corrected over everyone. We had a variety of wind conditions and I knew it would get light. We sailed pretty deep on the way back and when it went light we were able to reach up and sail faster than most of the fleet.

This past weekend we sailed Sat/Sun in the Leukemia Cup taking three bullets 2 on Sat one on Sun. We competed in the newly formed "Galveston Bay Classics class" we have recently put together. We won our class but they didn't give out fleet awards. I did a calculation based on corrected times of all 15 boats in the fleet for race 1, 2 and 3. IF they had awarded fleet honors we would have taken 2nd place behind a modified 23 footer skippered by one of our local heroes here in the Galveston Bay area. I am feeling pretty proud of the boat, myself and the crew right now.

SHARED WATCH Overtakes the Hinckley 38

People keep asking me how this old full keeled yawl can go upwind so well ...and sail so good at such an extreme angle of heel. ...Thanks Carl! ...the new 139 % that I had made by David Lindsay from the Neil Pryde loft helps a bit too.

Incidentally when we won the Heald Bank I was using my old rags one of which was an old 155 that my friend in his Hinckley 38 (fast boat) was going to throw away. I just smiled when we were able to beat him with his old sail during that race. Cheers - Jay”

Bilge Pump Blues
By Gord Martin

When I bought my 1975 Alberg 37 Sloop (MAGGY FIELDS IV, # 142), three years ago, I knew there would be lots of things to check and repair. One of the first jobs was to check the bilge pumps. The manual pump was not working so I immediately rebuilt it. The electric pump seemed to be working reasonably well, so it was repeatedly pushed down the ever longer "things to do" list.

Well, I have ignored it for 3 years, always feeling a bit uneasy, but decided this spring it must be looked at. We all know how inviting it is to try to work at the bottom of that deep dark bilge, so I worried about it for a few more weeks. How was I going to get at it?

I can't see screw heads; blame this partly on the bi-focals, and partly on the idiot who epoxied over the screws. Also I did not like the idea of it being mounted on a board which looked quite thick, leaving too much water in the bilge. The board was firmly attached to the bottom of the bilge, so I made up a tool consisting of a 2 ft. handle attached perpendicular to the mid point of a crowbar, then lay on my stomach, and flailed away with a sledge hammer. The board finally popped loose, and I could get the greasy monster up to eye level. Well almost to eye level, first I had to shift the battery, and chip the epoxy that held the wires in place, and then undo the Marrettes. Marrettes in a bilge! Wow!

At this point I checked the polarity, and thought it was a bit unusual to have yellow as plus in a red/yellow pair (more about that later). The pump was a Zurn brand and appeared to have a capacity of about 1500GPH.

Now to the hose - the 1 1/8" pump outlet was reduced to a 3/4" automotive heater hose, all limp and grungy, and then further reduced into a 1/2" check valve at the thru-hull. Is there any other way that the pump capacity could have been reduced? Based on the area of the check valve this pump was operating at barely 25% of its theoretical capacity.

I took the pump back to my shop, cleaned it thoroughly and found that it was working fine (that is when hooked up to the right polarity). Yup - that pump had been running backwards for who knows how many years. The red was supposed to be the plus side. I was surprised to find that it moved quite a bit of water in my test bucket even when running backwards. I wonder how many surveyors would think to check the rotation of a bilge pump.

I didn't want to completely trust a 30 year old pump, but also couldn't just throw it away when it appeared to be working perfectly, so I bought a new Rule 2000 GPH pump and hooked them both up with new 1 1/8" hose, oversized check valves, and new ball valves. The new pump went to a redundant thru-hull left from moving the exhaust to the transom. And yes, the polarity was checked at least three times.

I mounted both pumps to welded stainless steel "L" brackets, which I can raise and clamp in place for service.

That is it for bilge pumps; now on to the next item on the list, and on and on and on................Gord Martin

SHEARWATER BACK HOME IN KINSALE
By Tom and Kaye Assenmacher

We had shipped our 1975 MK-II Yawl SHEARWATER up to Whitby Boat (Alex Magnone) back in November 2004 for major refurbishing of the topsides, deck and cabin top, all of which had extensive gelcoat crazing (not stress cracks). The work by Whitby Boat has been completed, and we shipped SHEARWATER back to Kinsale in mid May. After standing on the hard at Krentz’ Marina, doing some bottom work, replacing the cutless bearing, installing grounding plates for a Single Sideband Radio, and installing a depth sounder transducer, we launched her and brought he home to our dock. Then the real work began (and continues).

We made several short trips to Whitby to check on her progress, and last saw her when the repairs were completed; they were reinstalling exterior hardware and generally cleaning her up. She looks like a new boat, and probably is in better shape than she was in 1975 when she first left the Whitby Boatworks facility. We had considered having the work done down here on the Chesapeake, but Alex gave us a much better price (even considering the shipping costs) than we could have gotten locally. Also, Alex knows the boat very well, and guess that counts for something.

We (Alex and us) mutually agreed to have the topsides, cabin top and decks surveyed before work began (a second opinion prior to surgery) - Alex was concerned that the gelcoat crazing on the topsides had perhaps compromised the hull laminate. It was determined that the crazing had not affected the hull (topsides) laminate, so work proceeded. Alex heavily sanded the entire topsides, gave then an epoxy coating, then after much sanding and fairing, applied the polyurethane paint.

Survey of the deck and cabin top revealed areas of water intrusion in the decks and cabin top which were not readily apparent, but we weren't really surprised either. We think most were due because of poor bedding of some pieces of hardware (some probably due to the owner - us). These areas were cut out, the affected core removed, the area cleaned, new core installed, etc. etc. Alex didn't think the gelcoat crazing was a major culprit, but who knows for sure.

All exterior hardware was removed except for the opening ports and the steering pedestal. All stanchion/pulpit bases were rebedded and fitted with backing plates (I had fabricated all the backing plates years ago, but had never installed most of them). The windlass was moved aft several inches and reinstalled with a SS angle beam which ties the windlass to the forward V-berth bulkhead. I had installed the windlass about 10 years ago with only a backing plate (Alex really gritted his teeth on that!). All the previous windlass holes were filled with fiberglass, so there is no visible indication that the windlass had been moved. Also numerous deck and cabin top holes for no longer used equipment were filled prior to refinishing. We even had the sailing instrument holes filled so we could reinstall the instruments in more logical places.

The cockpit locker lids were very crazed and cracked (especially in the vertical parts) which were totally repaired. We had Alex remove the teak veneer plywood inserts from both cockpit locker lids, the area completely glassed in, with non-skid applied. The teak winch combings were removed and all holes filled with glass and non-skid applied (the winches had been replaced, and then moved once or twice during the boat's lifetime). We didn't do anything to the lazarette hatch or the companionway hatch, as we recently had Alex build new wooden hatches.

We also had Alex install a fiberglass hatch base molding for the V-berth overhead hatch, doing away with the teak base which was prone to leaking (several years ago, Alex built a mold for this hatch base and Marcel Steinz installed the base when he had SOUTHERN CROSS at our dock in Kinsale - photos are on the A-37 website - look under Project Database).

Regarding the hull (below the waterline), we first noticed cracks about 15 years ago, and they became quite extensive. In 2001/2002, as part of a re-engining project, we decided that since we had the boat out of the water for an extended period of time, we would work on the bottom. We had the bottom sandblasted, let it dry over winter, and during the spring of 2002, we did a barrier coat of the bottom (Interlux Watertite epoxy skim coat, then a heavy coat of Interlux clear epoxy, then 3 coats of Interlux Interprotect barrier coat. Looks like that problem has been solved. During this period, we also refurbished the interior (complete rewire, replumb-new hoses, waterlines etc., - we still retained the original Wilcox Crittenden head which was rebuilt, and repainted and re-varnished the entire interior, etc.).

On another note, the surveyor seems to think that there may have been a bad lot of gelcoat distributed in the Toronto area in 1975. He indicated that he has seen similar gelcoat crazing problems in other Toronto area built boats which were constructed at about the same times as SHEARWATER, too many to be a coincidence - so perhaps....... We've seen a lot of A-37s and have not seen any that had crazing to the extent of our boat. Our boat stood up very well to the 10' visual test, but closer inspection showed a lot of tiny cracks. (Alex mentioned to us that he had not seen one with as serious crazing as that on SHEARWATER).

To make a long story short - we hope to have a "nearly as new" A-37 when we get her back together. We have done all the work on her since we bought her in 1982 with the exception of the recent work by Alex. We are not naive enough to think that perhaps some of the crazing may reappear, but undoubtedly, this will be a huge improvement. We think that Alex's workmanship is quite good, and is comparable to some of the best yards on the Chesapeake. Check back with us after a year or two for the final results.

The refurbishment continues as we prepare SHEARWATER for a planned “Down South” cruise beginning in October. In addition to re-installing lifelines, all rigging, dodge, bimini, etc., and doing some minor refurbishing of the interior (we completely stripped the boat inside and out prior to shipping her to Whitby), we are in the process of installing an ICOM SSB, upgrading some electronics, renewing battery banks, etc. etc…….

If we get the time, we may do a web page or two regarding the evolution of the “New” SHEARWATER.

ALBERG 37 SAIL PLANS AVAILABLE SOON

Thanks to the COMBINED efforts of Roy Carter, Bruce McFarland and Wayne Bower, we will soon have available on CD both the Alberg 37 Sloop and Yawl Sailplans (no kidding). Check the Home Page of the Alberg 37 Website for details and ordering information. We anticipate a very nominal cost of the CD to cover postage and the cost of the CD. The CD will have both sailplans (yawl and sloop).

A-37 WEB SITE / DISCUSSION FORUM PARTICIPATION

We highly encourage you to periodically check the DISCUSSION FORUM on the website and actively participate in the discussions. Unfortunately, participation has lagged during recent months. Active participation is vital to members who require information or have information to share with others. Remember, you are all “experts” in the Alberg 37, and collectively we’ve all “been there and done that”! Also, if you receive the newsletter by mail, you should check the ON-LINE version of the newsletter (provided you have Internet Access) since the on-line version may have links to photographs, etc., which by necessity (postage limitations), may not be in the hardcopy newsletter.

SPINDRIFT

By the Editor

The purpose of the newsletter is to provide a vehicle for the exchange of ideas relating to our Alberg 37 experiences (good and bad), maintenance tips, and cruising/racing information and to maintain a roster of Alberg 37 owners.

We suggest a donation of $10.00 U.S. a year to cover costs of publishing the quarterly newsletter, postage, Xerox services, and of course, maintaining the web site.

We suggest to our Non-U.S. members that they send an International Money Order payable in U.S. dollars. A Canadian Postal Money Order works best for Canadian members.

You will notice a date on the label of the newsletter mailing, reminding you to help maintain the newsletter / association. For those receiving the newsletter notice via Email, we ask that you honor your commitment to the Association. The Association appreciates your help!

The A-37 IOA participates as a cooperating group with BOAT U.S., and members receive BOAT U.S. membership for half price ($9.50 vice $19.00). Just mention you are a member of the Alberg 37 Owners Group and include the Cooperating Group number GA 83253 S when you join Boat U.S. or send in your annual renewal of membership

If you are transiting the Chesapeake Bay, please plan to stop by Kinsale for a few days (or longer). It's only about 12 miles off the Bay (up the Potomac to the Yeocomico River), and our area is very secluded, protected (good hurricane hole) and quiet, and a very good cruising area, especially in the fall. We always have a couple of open slips.

Each fall/spring we have several ‘snowbirds’ stop on their way south/north. Please note our Kinsale VA phone number: (804) 472-3853 - leave a message if we aren’t at home.

(Ed. Note: This spring we’ve had a lot of visitors: HALCYONE, ELIXIR, RAVEN, THE EVERDEN (along with FAR NIENTE), and several other non-A-37s who know A-37 members. Guess the word is getting out! Part of the fun of the A-37 IOA is the people who traverse the waterways!)

If we inadvertently missed any of your correspondence, just hit us again – we like to receive correspondence, especially email, as it’s the grist that makes the Newsletter interesting. REMEMBER, THIS IS YOUR NEWSLETTER!

Have a great Alberg Summer and keep the letters and emails coming!

Tom and Kaye Assenmacher

P.S. Kaye and I are planning to “Go South” this fall, so there is a good chance that the Winter and Spring Newsletters may be a bit sparse UNLESS some wonderful person wants to take over the jobs of Newsletter Editor and Alberg 37 Webmaster…… We would be very happy to relinquish these jobs should someone be interested.